Bec and the Big River Trio — bassman Don Rondeau (left) from Caramut and Warrnambool bandmates drummer Raff Marino, singer/guitarist Rebecca Beard and lead guitarist Phil Jones — were judged the best of six bands which took part in the ABC Exhumed competition held at The Loft in Warrnambool yesterday afternoon.

The competition is designed to give those who play music for the sheer love of it a chance for national exposure.

Bec and the Big River Trio, which lists their style as “a mix of authentic rockabilly, old and new country with a hint of blues”, will now go into the running to be named one of six finalists to perform live on television in a grand final event in December.

ABC television will feature a five-part series on the competition which starts in November and is hosted by James Valentine.